3. Repeating Eight Digits
Say, "Now, listen. I am going to say over some numbers and after I am through, I want you to say them exactly as I do. Listen closely and get them just right." Give (a), and if necessary (b) and (c). 7, 2, 5, 3, 4, 8, 9, 6; 4, 9, 8, 5, 3, 7, 6, 2; 8, 3, 7, 9, 5, 4, 8, 2.
Credit if one set is reproduced without error.
4. Repeating Thought of Passage
Say, "I am going to read a little selection of about six or eight lines. When I am through I will ask you to repeat as much of it as you can. It doesn't make any difference whether you remember the exact words or not, but you must listen carefully so that you can tell me everything it says." Read (a), and if necessary (b), recording response verbatim. Urge S. to give thought of selection in his own words, if he hesitates.
(a) Tests, such as we are now making, are of value both for the advancement of science and for the information of the person who is tested. It is important for science to learn how people differ and on what factors these differences depend. If we can separate the influence of heredity from the influence of environment, we may be able to apply our knowledge so as to guide human development. We may thus in some cases correct defects and develop abilities which we might otherwise neglect.
(b) Many opinions have been given on the value of life. Some call it good, others call it bad. It would be nearer correct to say that it is mediocre; for on the one hand our happiness is never as great as we should like, and on the other hand our misfortunes are never as great as our enemies would wish for us. It is this mediocrity of life which prevents it from being radically unjust.
Credit if main thoughts of one of the selections are given in reasonably consecutive order. (See The Measurement of Intelligence, pp. 340-43.)
5. Seven Digits Backwards
Say, "Listen carefully, I am going to read some numbers, and I want you to say them backwards. For example, if I should say 5—1—4 you would say 4—1—5. Do you understand?" Then, "Ready now, listen carefully, and be sure to say the numbers backwards." If S. gives the digits forwards, repeat instructions. If necessary, give (b) and (c), repeating each time: "Ready now, listen carefully, and be sure to say the numbers backwards." 4, 1, 6, 2, 5, 9, 3; 3, 8, 2, 6, 4, 7, 5; 9, 4, 5, 2, 8, 3, 7.